Nigeria police warn against reprisal attacks against South Africans

Nigeria Police warned against reprisals targeting South African nationals or businesses following a wave of anti-migrant protests in South Africa. The police urged Nigerians not to take the law into their own hands, after "reported attacks on Nigerians in South Africa". The warning followed a meeting of security and intelligence chiefs.

Tensions have been rising in South Africa in recent weeks following demonstrations calling for tougher action against undocumented migrants. Several African countries have advised their citizens to remain vigilant, with Ghana recently evacuating hundreds of its nationals, citing safety concerns. Aliyu Giwa, a senior police spokesperson, said "We recognise the pain and anger caused by recent attacks on Nigerians abroad," and "this is a time for calm and restraint". He added that violence would not protect Nigerians abroad and "would only create additional crises". The matter was being addressed by the government "at the highest levels".

The Nigerian police say additional security measures have been put in place around foreign missions, key infrastructure and other sensitive locations. They said "Any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other lawful interests within Nigeria will be treated as a criminal act". The demonstrations in South Africa have been organised by a group known as March and March, which says it is campaigning for immigration reform and have called on undocumented migrants to leave the country by 30 June.